Nail Trimming at vet office

I’m wondering if anyone has a behind-the-scenes look at dogs getting their nails trimmed and is willing to share. I take one of my dogs, who has black nails, to the vet monthly for trims. Another dog has light colored nails, but she seems to be wearing them down enough that they don’t need additional trimming except for the dew claws. I’m always afraid of hurting them with clippers.

I just adopted a third dog who has light colored nails, and needs a trim very soon. I have a dremel tool and have been trying to get all three accustomed to having their nails ground, but I may need a trip to the vet to get ahead of it a bit.

I’m wondering if the dogs get quicked often at the vet. I realize that if they are very overgrown, it’s likely, but in general? If it seems like it’s a relatively common occurrence, it would be just as well to do it myself. I don’t mind paying for the service ($23US) but it’s the trauma I’m thinking of.
Thanks